MDW principals Jeffrey Pinch and Bryce Menzies stated that all four lawyers demonstrate MDW’s commitment to legal excellence.

“These promotions reflect our optimism, strengthening the firm’s ability to grow and excel,” said Mr Pinch.  

Ms Serra is part of the MDW’s commercial/litigation and dispute resolution team and her promotion to special counsel celebrates her comprehensive knowledge in commercial law, as well as litigation and dispute resolution law. Ms Serra is experienced in general commercial litigation including debt recovery, contract disputes, construction and building disputes, personal injury and insolvency. 

She has specific experience in environmental issues including climate change law, forestry rights and agreements, agribusiness projects and purchases and plantation matters.  

Ms Joiner who is promoted to special counsel has been an indispensable member of the MDW media team, the firm noted. She provides legal services during project development and production to feature film producers, television producers and rights holders.

Ms Joiner is also skilled in advising and drafting rights agreements, including options and deeds of assignment and is also known to represent some of Australia’s most well-known television personalities.

Ms Clapham who is elevated to senior associate contributes diverse skills and experience to the entertainment law team at MDW. She advises feature film and television producers at all stages of production and development. The firm said rights holders appreciate her finely honed skills in crafting agreements, options, and deeds of assignment.  

After joining MDW as a full-time employee in 2019, Ms Colquhoun was admitted to legal practice in November 2020. Prior to her career as a lawyer, Ms Colquhoun also worked as a film-maker and had short films featured at many international film festivals, including Melbourne International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. She has also acted as a programmer for the Slamdance Film Festival and as a panellist for the short film programme at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

“Congratulations to Diana, Kylie, Frankie-Rae and Davina for their well-deserved promotions. We’re predicting bright legal futures,” Mr Menzies added.